Logistics requires flexibility and innovation

Making sure that goods are delivered on time is the concern of Bambi Liu, senior supervisor of industrial engineering at UPS Hong Kong.

Being in a supervisory role, her job is to lead and co-ordinate staff to operate efficiently, and to plan and redesign the workflow to streamline company operations.

According to her, it is an advantage to have a degree in industrial engineering to work in the logistics sector, but it is not a must. The key to success is to experience different work duties, if, and when, possible, she adds. "Individuals who are eager to develop a career in logistics should be analytical, independent and team players who value diversity, equality and innovation," says Liu. "It is also crucial to be flexible."

Liu started off doing back-office work as a freight services co-ordinator in 2004, and has since engaged in different aspects of the logistics industry, through working in various departments at UPS.

After three years of back-office work, she moved to the front line as a management specialist. "When I was promoted from a management specialist into a supervisory role, I went from being an executor to a trainer," she says.

"Learning how to coach and delegate assignments is important. When we develop others, we develop ourselves," she adds.

It is Liu's job to ensure that customers receive their shipments on time. "We often experience situations that need to be resolved immediately, to meet expectations," she says.

In addition to regular tasks, Liu often works with colleagues from different departments, and occasionally goes on off-site assignments. "Through interaction with colleagues from various backgrounds, I am able to be innovative," she says.

Office hours are 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, but overtime is required at times.